Nissan Versa Oil Type | All Model Years

2025 nissan versa parked on a city street

AutoCenters Nissan services hundreds of Versas in the Metro East every year, and we lean on factory documentation—not guesswork. Below you’ll find the correct engine-oil viscosity for every Nissan Versa model year, grouped where the specifications are identical and starting with the newest models first. Where Nissan lists an alternative oil you can use temporarily, we note that as well, but the recommended viscosity should be your default.

2025–2018 Nissan Versa (Sedan and Note): SAE 0W-20

For every Versa from 2018 through 2025—including Versa Sedan (2018–2025) and Versa Note where applicable (2018–2019)—Nissan specifies SAE 0W-20 engine oil. Nissan’s manuals explicitly state “Genuine Nissan Motor Oil 0W-20” (or equivalent that meets the same grade and viscosity). Temporary alternatives are allowed only if noted by Nissan.

Quick notes our technicians want you to know:

  • 0W-20 supports cold-start protection and fuel efficiency on HR16DE-equipped Versas from this era, and it’s what Nissan lists in the fluids/capacities table and engine-oil recommendation pages of the manuals.

  • If 0W-20 isn’t available at the time of service, Nissan allows a short-term alternative in the manual; replace with the recommended oil at the next opportunity.

Model years covered here: 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019 (Sedan/Note), 2018 (Sedan/Note).

2017–2007 Nissan Versa: SAE 5W-30

Earlier Versa models (first- and second-generation vehicles through 2017) call for SAE 5W-30. Nissan’s tables and “Engine oil recommendation” sections for these years specify 5W-30; several manuals also note that 10W-30 conventional may be used temporarily where permitted by temperature, but 5W-30 is the recommended grade.

Model years covered here: 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007. Example references by year:

  • 2017 Versa Sedan manual lists “Genuine Nissan Motor Oil 5W-30.”

  • 2011 Versa manual shows “Viscosity SAE 5W-30.”

  • 2008 Versa Hatchback manual shows “Viscosity SAE 5W-30.”

Why these groupings matter

Nissan transitioned the Versa’s recommendation from 5W-30 to 0W-20 beginning with the 2018 model year. That change is reflected directly in the owner’s manuals and keeps your engine aligned with Nissan’s calibration and efficiency targets. If you’re ever uncertain, checking the “Recommended fluids/lubricants and capacities” table inside your specific year’s manual is the gold standard—exactly what our service advisors and technicians do.

Expert service, right here

Whether your Versa takes 0W-20 or 5W-30, our factory-trained team uses the correct oil grade, torque specs, and OEM filters your engine expects. If you’d like us to confirm your VIN-specific requirements or you’re working with unusual use conditions (extreme cold, high mileage, or track use), we’re happy to advise based on Nissan’s documentation for your exact build.

Conclusion

For 2018–2025 Nissan Versa models, use SAE 0W-20. For 2007–2017 models, use SAE 5W-30. Nissan has not yet published official 2026 Versa oil guidance as of today. When you service with AutoCenters Nissan, we verify these specs against Nissan’s manuals at the time of your appointment so your Versa gets the right oil every time.